Assignment Three

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School

Western University *

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Course

3530

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by JudgeTitanium1651

Question 1 What are the four Basic Tenets of Fingerprints? 1. Friction ridges develop prior to birth (in utero), as t he basic size, shape, and spacing of fingerprints influenced by genetic factors, as well as by random and chaotic developmental factors from the 10 th week to the 6 th month of fetal development, such as like genetic makeup, nutritional status, and mechanical stresses in the womb. 2. Friction ridges are permanent , as fingerprints regenerate due to the presence of a skin pattern template present in the deeper layers of the skin, specifically in the dermis. When the superficial layer of skin (epidermis) is damaged, the underlying dermis guides the regeneration of the epidermal ridges to match the original fingerprint pattern, however any damage that goes deeper than the outer layer of the skin can affect the fingerprint patten, but that also becomes a unique mark on the finger that can assist in the identification of the fingerprint. 3. Friction ridges are unique and never repeated, as millions of fingerprints have been analyzed by AFIS, yet no two identical fingerprints have been found. 4. Friction ridges can be classified within limits , as the Henry classification system organized fingerprints into categories based on patterns such as loops, whorls, and arches, (along with composites), which greatly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of fingerprint identification. Question 2 What fingerprint chemicals could theoretically be used to examine old evidence, (I’m not talking about powders like fluorescent / magnetic) Several fingerprint chemicals could theoretically be used to examine old evidence. First, iodine fuming is a non-destructive gas used to develop latent fingerprints on both porous and non- porous surfaces by reacting with the oils and fatty deposits in the fingerprints to produce a temporary yellow-brown reaction product. Iodine fuming is generally most effective on recent evidence due to the presence of water, oils, and fats that have not yet evaporated or degraded, however, theoretically, it could also be used on older, rehydrated evidence under specific conditions. Second, cyanoacrylate (CA) fuming, commonly known as "super glue fuming," is a method for developing latent fingerprints on non-porous surfaces like plastic, metal, and glass by creating a white polymer on the print. Third, indanedione reacts with approximately 23 amino acids, producing a fluorescent compound visible under specific lighting to aids in the identification and analysis of latent fingerprints at crime scenes. Finally, Vacuum Metal Deposition has been shown to develop latent fingerprints on evidence that is over 20 years old by adding a thin layer of gold, followed by some zinc (the new process includes a single layer of silver, copper or alunimum) and can be used in conjunction with other traditional fingerprint development techniques, providing a layered approach to evidence examination in cold cases, even on exhibits underground or underwater or on tight weave fabrics. Question 3 What special properties does Iodine Fuming have in terms of evidence analysis?/

The iodine fumes react with the oils and fatty deposits in the fingerprints to produce a temporary yellow-brown reaction product. It's particularly useful for fresh prints. Also it demonstrates dual identification, as it has the ability to lift both fingerprints and obtain DNA from the same sample. Since iodine fuming is a non-destructive method, it does not interfere with the biological material present in the fingerprint residue. This allows for subsequent DNA analysis, which can provide additional valuable information for identifying individuals. Question 4 What differs between the FBI’s new NGI system and AFIS, (what new friction ridge areas are examined?) (one mark) Compared to AFIS, the NGI system stores both latent fingerprints and palm prints, allowing for more accurate searches. Question 5 The FBI recommends fingerprints previously analyzed using traditional methods get re-submitted for analysis. What year do they recommend as a cut-off? (one mark) The NGI system recommends that latent fingerprint images submitted prior to 2013 be resubmitted for better accuracy in generating new investigative leads in unsolved and cold cases. Question 6 What specific aspect makes a forensic anthropologist "forensic"? Forensic anthropology is a field within the medicolegal community that deals with human death and focuses on the analysis of human remains. They are involved whenever old remains are found at a crime scene dated to be up to 50 years old, especially if they are skeletal, to determine if they are human and how old they may be, and even try to estimate features. The forensic anthropologist is not only involved in recovery and examination of remains and the writing of a detailed report, but testimony in court. Question 7 What is the primary focus of forensic archaeology and how does it differ from the main goal of forensic anthropology? Forensic archaeology deals with decomposed human remains of medicolegal significance and uses archaeological methods to locate and retrieve human skeletal material while following the rules of evidence established by law enforcement agencies, while forensic anthropology deals with the identification of persons from their skeletons and provides law enforcement officials with a demographic profile of decedents that can be checked against people listed in their missing persons’ files. Anthropologists can also conduct forensic archeology and usually work closer with law enforcement in comparison to archaeology.

Question 8 Why is teamwork emphasized among forensic specialists who work with human remains and associated physical evidence? Teamwork is emphasized among forensic specialists, as they are not experts of everything, and instead, they can all apply information from their field, while being aware of their own capabilities. In doing so, they prevent opportunities where one may speak outside of their realm of expertise, as there is no credibility behind talking about things you have no expert knowledge on. Question 9 What could happen if one area of expertise tries to manage a complex case without collaborating with others? If one area of expertise tries to manage a complex case without collaborating with others, they may make mistakes or miss specific information. If they are not credible and have no experience in the field, their ability may be questioned, or evidence may be thrown away entirely. Experts must appear unbiased, impartial, and objective to make sure everything is fair and prevent uneducated opinions. Question 10 What aspect of pathology identification would most likely be most useful in cold cases involving decomposition? The forensic pathologist performs autopsies on those who died unexpectedly, suddenly, or violently, and the pathologists collect medical evidence and detail any other forms of injury or trauma, both external and internal, to determine cause, mechanism and manner of death. They must also consider the scene of the crime, the clothing, and toxicology reports that should be reported before the autopsy process begins. This is crucial for understanding the circumstances leading up to and surrounding the death, which is often not considered in hospital autopsies. Question 11 True or false – in order for a forensic expert to remain credible, they have to testify with passion and/or emotion– if the judge and jury think they do not care, that is bad for the case. Explain your reasoning. This statement is false, as a forensic expert must testify without emotion to remain objective and impartial. They must remain unbiased at all costs and prioritize the truth, as fairness proceeds all. Instead, they need to refer to scientific results and not personal opinions or preferred results. If what they are testifying is not credible, their testimony and evidence will be disregarded, possibly effecting the outcome of the case (likely negatively).

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Question 12 In the Leanne Tiernan case study, it is mentioned in the slides how this case “…was a perfect example of multiple units working very well with one another”. Give examples of tasks that were accomplished, the evidence recovered, etc. – people that worked on this case and how that contributed to the resolution. (five marks). The pathologist determined that the body was stored at a low temperature between the time of death and when the body was discovered. They also found a pink carpet strand on the victim’s clothing. Additionally, the forensic scientists compared DNA samples that were found in the woods, identified blood under the suspect’s floorboards (finding they belonged to the victim), and analyzed another pink carpet strand found on a nail (matching it to that one on the victim’s clothes). Moreover, the police officers tracked down the suppliers of the dog collar, twine, and cable ties that all related to the suspect. They also obtained 400 pieces of evidence, including the pink fibre on the nail and bloodstains within the suspect’s home that related to the victim. By the multiple units working together, the crime was able to be properly solved Question 13 Willie Randolph is said to be “serial offender” in the pathology and anthropology slides and corresponding Innocence Project article. What implications are there for arresting the wrong person in a case like this? The main problem within this case was the utter disregard for the DNA evidence. Even though the victim was found to be sexually assaulted, database cross referencing was not done, and instead, the investigators went off a gang rape tip-off. Therefore, the teenagers were apprehended, questioned, and quickly convicted, costing 10 years of their lives, until the evidence was reexamined. Overall, the police failed to ask questions first and punish later, and as a result upended the lives of the innocent. Question 14 According to Dr. Cunningham, forensic experts like anthropologists, odontologists, and entomologists often collaborate with the Office of the Forensic Medical Examiner (OFM) and police partners to answer critical questions in a death investigation. These questions can include: ( three marks ) Who are they? Time since death? Cause of death?

Nature and mechanism of injury? What were they wearing? Was disease, substance use (i.e. drugged) predation, postmortem alteration (i.e. dismemberment or mutilation), sexual assault, robbery, or incapacitation factors? Question 15 According to Dr. Cunningham, what is the standard procedure for unidentified, speculate as to how that may differ from unidentified bodies from cold cases from years / decades ago: The standard investigation for the unidentified requires each body to receive a full body CT scan (documenting what they look like from the inside to the outside before the autopsy alters how the body), photography (more photographs can be taken and stored digitally), fingerprinted (to create a profile and run it through the database), PM dental radiographs/dental charting (able to run it through a database to assist in identification), DNA collection (help with identification of the victim or assailant by matching to those within databases), and biological profiling (determine key features). This differs from unidentified bodies from cold cases years ago because most of this technology was not accessible, and thus, the bodies are more likely to be identified. Question 16 According to Dr. Cunningham, what are some of the differences between how cold cases were handled, (years ago), in comparison to now? Compared to previous years, we can take more photos now (even of full body CT scans) and everything is digital, as we use less film. There is also more commincation now, as we are able to consult various specialists, such as pathologists, anthropologists, and odontologists, allowing for a higher chance of making determinations, as more expert eyes are assisting. We are also able to process evidence through multiple databases faster, thus saving time and allowing for a higher chance of identification with higher degrees of accuracy. Question 17 In the opinion of the Deputy Chief of Pathology, Dr. Cunningham, what is the area of investigations that still requires improvement, and what are the implications of that? Dr. Cunningham mentioned that police and specialized units work in their own silo’s, cut off from each other until little communication can be made, and it should be made more efficient. By setting up a group

created by members of each department, it would be easier to share/learn new techniques and talk about different cases that are being worked on, as it may only take a fresh set of eyes or insight of someone in a trained field to assist in active and cold cases. Question 18 What two preliminary steps in any investigation would assist with ensuring information is shared across jurisdictions? 1. Uploading relevant information to databases used and any other national databases for the purpose of an easier source of catalogued information. 2. Establishing clear protocols and standard practices will ensure that everyone is up to date and is aware of what tools they have at their disposal and who to go to should a question about a particular topic arise. Question 19 Based on the information presented by Dr. Cunningham, should Forensic Pathology be conducted in a vacuum to preserve the integrity of the methodology or with the benefit of police information? ( one mark ) Based on the information presented by Dr. Cunningham, forensic pathology should not be conducted in a vacuum, as he campaigned for communication between departments, as the more investigative disciplines are included, the higher the chance that the crime may be solved in a quicker/ more efficient manner since there may be others that have better training or more concurrent information where everyone would be benefitted if the input is included. Question 20 Dr. Cunningham commented, “you’d be amazed at what has been found over the years”, regarding consulting with what specialty that “hasn’t always been available” (regarding post-pathology) (one mark) Dr. Cunningham commented that forensic pathologists and anthropologists have not always been available, so having them around to review remains and give credible opinions that may not have been tried before (and there would be a possibility for exhumation to gather further evidence).

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Assignment Three

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